On Thursday 1st February 2018 VW Bro Dr Stanley James Harris MB BS MRCS LRCP was presented with a certificate to mark 50 years of continuous membership of the Mark degree by RW Bro Peter Ball ProvGM on behalf of Royal York No 500.

Stanley was born in London in December 1924 and educated at St Clement Danes School, Westminster. He qualified as a doctor in 1947 from Guys Hospital and served in the RAF Medical Branch as a Flight Lieutenant from 1948-1950. He then became an assistant to a GP in Stratford upon Avon before moving to Nottingham in 1952 where he became a single handed GP in his own practice until his retirement. Stanley was always a very committed medical practitioner, very involved and concerned about the health of his patients. He was also Doctor and Medical Advisor to Raleigh Industries and various other local manufacturing companies. He took up the post of President of the Medico-Chirurgical Society in 1980 and became an Honorary Life Member in 1993. He was Past Chairman of the Nottingham BMA and a member of the Ethical Committee, Medical Officer for the Nottingham General Dispensary, long standing member of various medical committees and panels and P Hon Medical Officer for the Midlands and Notts. Amateur Swimming Association.

Devoted to his wife Joan and family, his many interests include photography, jazz, gardening and reading.

His Masonic career started in 1962 when he was initiated into Nottinghamshire Lodge No 1434 becoming Master in 1975 and DC from 1978-1992. He was awarded the rank of PrGSD in 1982, PrGSW in 1989 and PAGDC in 1993. He is also a member of Notts. Installed Masters 3595.

He is a member of Royal Sussex Chapter No 402 becoming MEZ in 1980 and DC from 1988-1998. He was awarded the rank of PGStB in 1995 and is a member of Notts. 1st Principles Chapter.

He joined Royal York Mark Lodge No 500 on 30th November 1967 and became Master in 1980. He was DC from 1988-2013. He was awarded the rank of PrGSW in 1988, Grand Steward in 1993, PGJD in 1999, PGJO in 2012 and is a member of Arthur Morley Custance Lodge of Installed Mark Masters 1808.

He was elevated into Byron Royal Ark Mariners TI in 1973, was WCN in 1985 and DC from 1990-2001. He was awarded the rank of RAMProvGR in 1991 and RAMGR in 1996.

He is also a member and Past S Ruler of Notts. Conclave in Secret Monitor, a Past TIM in Nottingham Royal and Select Masters and a member of Trent RSM.

Unfortunately Stanley has not been in good health recently but is now progressing well and the members of Royal York were delighted that he was able to attend their February meeting to be presented with his certificate. Throughout his Masonic and professional careers he has been held in the highest esteem and respect by all who know him and the brethren of the Royal York Lodge are delighted that he has reached this milestone in the Mark Degree. We look forward to many more years of his good company at our meetings.